Packaging Category Manager

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald's, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
As a Contract Packaging Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing, leading, and executing packaging sourcing strategies for specific packaging product categories. This role will own and lead the commercial supplier decisions and manage key supplier relationships, including performance management and point of escalation for supplier resolution. You will collaborate closely with other cross-functional teams within tms Supply Chain, such as Packaging Development, Quality, Product Stewardship, Account Management, Finance, etc. to execute initiatives that support innovation, sustainability, legislative, and cost savings objectives. You will also work to track our processes, measure performance against our plans, and continuously improve our execution of this discipline.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for specific product types in support of overall category needs. Develop multi-year roadmap for product, cost, and capacity shifts. Example product types include folding cartons, wraps, carry-out bags, cups, lids, napkins, cutlery, and straws.
• Technologies include, extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, molded fiber, corrugating, flexo/gravure/digital print, die-cutting, carton forming.
• Lead the end-to-end sourcing process, including RFP/RFQs, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for cost savings and value improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance through regular reviews and KPI tracking; address any opportunities for improvement.
• Assess, develop, and support onboarding of new suppliers as needed to meet product and category goals.
• Identify risks within the supply chain and develop mitigation and contingency plans. Monitor triggers and execute against plans as needed to assure supply.
• Drive continuous improvement by staying current on industry trends, market conditions, and best practices.
• Lead the execution of supply chain changes, including product and supplier transitions.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain, category management, and procurement activities - foodservice/QSR industry preferred
• Must have a "team" approach to problem solving and ability to work proactively with multiple cross-functional inputs to address unique Supply Chain challenges.
• Must be able to work across all levels of a matrix organization and facilitate discussions and strategically influence decisions at a leadership level internally and to supplier partner leadership
• Experience executing RFP/RFQs that resulted in measurable outcomes (e.g. cost savings, supply chain stability)
• Capability to translate customer requirements, market conditions, and supplier capabilities into a defined sourcing strategy and set of KPIs
• Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed sourcing decisions
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract management
• Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements
• Risk management experience - including identifying, prioritizing, and defining mitigation and contingency plans
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and executing new product launches
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Understanding of packaging manufacturing processes and materials preferred
• Proficiency with Ivalua and JDE software are highly desired; experience implementing technology platforms is a plus

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Nearest Major Market: Chicago